I've always wondered what those leading prayers mean, when they come on to the podium and call the congregation to "Thank God that you are alive". The reason is that a number of these prayer leaders make it sound like it is a bad thing to be deceased. And yet we know that to be out of this world and with God is far better than to remain here where the challenges of life daily confront us. Then, of course, we are aware that the bible also says,
"People die once, and after that they are judged." (Hebrews 9:27; God's Word Translation)
It is perhaps this second scripture that makes the prayer leader's call to thank God that we are alive very pertinent. For if some had died the day before, they may have been in danger of facing the judgment of God!

So let us examine this call to "Thank God that you are alive!"

For those who are already in the Lord
These people who are born again, Spirit-filled, sanctified, and are walking according to the ways of the Lord, this is a necessary call, because being alive is another opportunity that God has given them to increase what they would get in heaven as rewards, as they work harder to win more souls for Christ, pray more, study the word of God more, minister to the needs of others more, fellowship more with God and with the brethren, etc. It is also a necessary call, because it is an opportunity for those who fall into this category who are losing steam to re-charge and re-fire. It is a necessary call still, especially for those who have stopped working for God, or who have become lethargic to the injunction of God to be instant in and out of season, not only in the preaching of the word, but also in other areas of ministry.

For those who only recently surrendered to God through Jesus Christ
This is a necessary call, because it is God giving them an opportunity to enter into heaven with works to show so that they can gain crowns for their 'effort' while here on earth. As long as they are alive, the Lord is making it possible for them to be able to share the testimony of their conversion with members of their family, their friends and their fans or admirers. They are also being given an opportunity to grow in the things of God, and be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil, as numerous and yet subtle as they come. It is also an opportunity for these young believers to receive the Holy Spirit, and thus experience the joy of eternal salvation, even while living here on earth.

For those who have been born again, but are backslidden
This is evidently an essential prayer call, for if they die in their state of backsliding, they would definitely be on the way to the place no sane human being who has tasted of the goodness of the Lord wants to be in, that is, hell! Therefore, the call to "Thank God that you are alive", is one of the greatest opportunities God has given to the backslider to return home to Him, and so spare himself the sorrow of ending up in hell. It is indeed an opportunity for the backslider to take a long look at this world and its lure, and recognize that it holds nothing for you, and then to turn around and return to God for forgiveness. The bible says,
"Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." (Hosea 6:1-3; KJV).
Indeed, this is God's desire for the backslider, for it gives Him no delight to see any perish (2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:30-32)

For those who neither know God nor have the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ
This prayer of thanksgiving is a call to come to the saving knowledge of God through Jesus Christ. The bible says,
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Beloved, are you yet without Christ in your life, then you not only need to thank God that you are alive, but you also need to urgently turn to God and ask for His forgiveness, and the salvation that comes through His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. This salvation delivers from sin and the things that cause sin, as well as bring the desire and ability to live and do right, enjoy peace that passes human knowledge, and experience joy unspeakable in your heart.

Finally ...
This is not just a call that is essential on thanksgiving Sunday, but one that is significant on a daily basis. For each day we see the dawning of a new day, we know that the God of opportunities, has again given another one for us to improve on yesterday's mistakes, as well as grow to avoid the errors thereof.

So, when next you are in church or in a meeting and you here,
"Thank God that you are alive!"
you know that God is giving you an opportunity to recharge and refire and do His will, to go out there and share the testimony of your salvation through Jesus Christ, to repent and return to Him, or to seize the moment and come to the saving knowledge of God. It is also for you to show appreciation to God every day for keeping you alive to actualize His good purpose concerning you!

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